A Family Legacy Steeped in Tradition: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Harney & Sons

The history of Harney & Sons is not merely a chronicle of a successful beverage company; it is the story of a family whose professional evolution is inextricably linked to the art of tea. Founded in 1983 in the modest confines of a basement, the company began when John Harney, guided by the expertise of English expat Stanley Mason, decided to turn a passion for tea into a full-scale operation. Over four decades later, what started as a localized endeavor has transformed into a global brand, yet it remains, at its heart, a deeply rooted family business. As the company continues to grow, the "sons" in Harney & Sons have now welcomed their own children into the fold, ensuring that the legacy of quality and craftsmanship continues for another generation.

To understand the enduring nature of this enterprise, one must look at the individuals who steer the ship. The Harney family dynamic is a blend of traditional values, entrepreneurial spirit, and an unwavering commitment to the leaf.

The Matriarch: Elyse Harney

At the helm of the family and the company stands Elyse Harney, the co-founder and president. Born Elizabeth G. Deublein in North Bergen, New Jersey, Elyse’s journey began well before the tea business. A 1952 graduate of St. Joseph’s University in Brooklyn, her connection to her alma mater remains strong; in fact, the university has honored her by inviting her to serve as the 2026 commencement speaker.

After completing her graduate studies at Columbia University, she married John Harney in 1953. Together, they navigated the challenges of building a family and, eventually, a business. While John focused on the nuances of tea, Elyse played an equally pivotal role in the firm’s early survival and growth. In 1987, she expanded her professional footprint by earning a real estate license and establishing Elyse Harney Real Estate (EHRE). Her success in real estate provided the essential financial stability that allowed the fledgling tea business to take root. Today, EHRE is a cornerstone of the tri-state area, encompassing Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. The legacy continues there as well, with her daughter, Elyse Harney Morris, serving as the firm’s owner and lead broker, and her granddaughter, Brittany, joining the team, marking yet another generation of Harney entrepreneurship.

Elyse’s palate is as refined as her business acumen. Her preferences reflect a lifetime of tea appreciation, ranging from the delicate notes of Dragon Pearl Jasmine and Japanese Sencha to the morning brightness of Angiogenesis Foundation Green Tea. As the day winds down, she frequently turns to calming selections like traditional Jasmine, the popular Yellow & Blue, or the soothing tisanes—particularly chamomile—that her husband championed for years.

The Second Generation: Expertise and Innovation

Mike Harney, the second-generation leader, serves as the company’s Vice President and Master Tea Buyer. After graduating from Cornell University with a degree in Hospitality Management and Hotel Administration, Mike initially cut his teeth in the hotel industry, managing the Richmont Hotel in Chicago. He joined the family business in 1988, bringing a structured approach to the company’s expansion.

As the Master Tea Buyer and blender, Mike’s role is global in scope. He spends a significant portion of his time traveling to remote tea gardens, fostering relationships with producers to ensure the quality of the company’s offerings. This hands-on experience culminated in his 2008 book, The Harney & Sons Guide to Tea, which serves as a definitive resource for tea enthusiasts. Mike’s philosophy centers on "terroir"—the idea that a tea should authentically express the environment in which it was grown. Because he has sampled thousands of varieties, narrowing his favorite to a single cup is a challenge, though he remains a staunch advocate for teas that showcase their unique geographical origins.

Joining Mike in the family’s professional circle is his wife, Brigitte. Born in Suresnes, France, Brigitte’s path to the Harney family is a story of serendipity. She first came to the Connecticut area in 1977 to work as an au pair and met the family through a friend. Years later, while Mike was completing an internship in France, the two reconnected. Today, Brigitte is a key figure within the company, serving as a manager and buyer. Her own tea preferences are highly situational, shifting with the seasons. While she is the namesake of "Brigitte’s Blend"—a sophisticated mix of silvery Ceylon and tippy, full-leaf Assam—she also gravitates toward Supreme Breakfast for a robust start to the day. Depending on the season, she may opt for the earthy notes of Panyang Congou in the autumn or the light, floral characteristics of a First Flush Darjeeling when the weather warms.

The second generation’s leadership is rounded out by Paul Harney, the company’s other Vice President. Known for his innovative approach, Paul has been the driving force behind several modern pivots for the brand, including the successful line of ready-to-drink organic teas and juices. He was also instrumental in the development of the pyramid sachet, a packaging design that provides the convenience of a traditional tea bag while allowing enough room for whole-leaf tea to expand and circulate. Furthermore, Paul was a co-founder of The Hemp Division in 2018, a sister company that leverages the family’s deep knowledge of premium botanicals to explore the growing market for hemp-based products. His eclectic tastes are perhaps best represented by his love for Horchata tea, a creative blend of milky oolong, toasted rice, and cinnamon bark that reflects his personal interest in Mexican culture.

The Third Generation: Carrying the Torch

The evolution of Harney & Sons is most evident in the contributions of the third generation, represented by Emeric and Alex Harney. Emeric Harney, the company’s Marketing Director, grew up in the business. His early exposure to the trade was hands-on and literal; by age four, he was assisting with the mundane but necessary tasks like peeling stickers for tea tins. As he grew, his role expanded to retail operations, gift wrapping, and eventually product development.

Emeric’s impact on the brand is substantial, ranging from his successful management of the SoHo retail location to his work in brand strategy and tea buying. He has also proven to be a talented blender, responsible for popular creations like Apple Cinnamon and White Christmas. His current preferences reflect a sophisticated, modern palate, often starting his day with the grassy, nutty notes of Matcha iri Genmaicha.

Alex Harney, the oldest son of Mike and Brigitte, brings a different set of skills to the firm as the Content Director and Café Director. His childhood was marked by the scent of bergamot oil as he worked alongside his grandfather, John, to blend Earl Grey by hand. When the company opened its café in Millerton in 2005, Alex stepped into the role of founder and executive chef, curating a menu that emphasized fresh, high-quality ingredients. Beyond the kitchen, Alex serves as the company’s director of film and photography, ensuring the visual identity of the brand matches the quality of its product. His personal favorite teas—lightly oxidized oolongs like Dong Ding Light and Wenshan Baozhong—speak to a refined, nuanced understanding of tea craft that has been cultivated over a lifetime.

As the company looks toward the future, the Harney family remains grounded in the same principles that defined that first basement operation in 1983. While the business has grown significantly, the fundamental act remains the same: the careful sourcing, blending, and sharing of the world’s finest teas. For the Harneys, the business is not just about a beverage; it is about providing a sense of comfort and quality to their customers. As the family continues to grow and evolve, they remain prepared for the next chapter, always seeking out the new and unexpected developments that keep the tea industry vibrant. Whether it is through the introduction of new tea varieties or the eventual integration of the next generation of Harneys, the family remains committed to making every cup a little more exceptional.